JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

slaterjn@comcast.net

Chilmark enjoyed another mild week with not much hint of the winter that is surely coming. Dredging is happening in Menemsha Basin and that is the biggest visual excitement for the daytime hours. The evening ride around town is becoming more and more interesting as more people plug in holiday light displays. This week the fire station in the town center took on a definitely festive air.

The annual holiday party hosted by the Friends of the Chilmark Library took place on Wednesday and drew a large crowd of happy Chilmark folks. Lots of them told me of their travel plans over the holiday, so I will try to catch up with them for details when they get back.

There are a lot of people working at their unsung jobs around town that really deserve to know that we appreciate their efforts. In no particular order, we should recognize our current postmaster, Leigh Moreis, who is working with some small assistance this season and doing it so calmly. He really should know how much we appreciate him. Then I think of Keith Emin, highway superintendent, and his helper, Hutch Kerwin. Both have been hard at work on the town roadsides for the past few weeks. The brush has been cut back and the stonewalls are exposed and the whole roadside is looking attractive. You also may have noticed that Meg Orlando has been at work in front of the Chilmark Library removing the grasses and clearing the hillside wall. These are just some of the jobs around town that improve things for us all.

Chilmark Chocolates will close on Sunday until mid February. We all appreciate the hours their volunteer workforce puts in for the holidays, and they know how much we enjoy their candy! Those folks deserve our thanks too.

There will be a flea market at the Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors of antiques, crafts, food and more will be there. It provides a perfect shopping opportunity for the last-minute buyers.

The last farmers’ market of the season will take place this Saturday at the West Tisbury Agricultural Hall. Approximately 23 vendors of foods and related items will be on hand, including the Mermaid Farm of Chilmark, which is selling its yogurt, feta cheese and wool from their own sheep. Lunch will be available and there will be a fire in the fireplace, making for a nice spot for a break in a busy week.

The Friends of the Chilmark Library are hosting a holiday concert by the Vineyard Haven Band at the library from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21. The suggested admission is a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Island Food Pantry.

Santa will be making his annual visit to Chilmark on Dec. 21 at the Chilmark Community Center. Chilmark’s chief elf, Katie Carroll, can tell you the details. All Chilmark children through fifth grade age are welcome to come and visit with him. Please call Katie for details.

The annual book sale is going on this weekend at the Chilmark Library. Sale is during regular library hours.

Josh Aronie tells us that he is closing his popular restaurant, Menemsha Café, on Friday. He will be open through an evening dinner tonight. He asks that I tell the community how much he appreciated their continued support and enthusiasm. He hopes to be back in business soon, and will keep us posted as to his next location. He, and his up-Island customers, enjoyed having h is restaurant in this area. Good luck, Josh.